Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Sacramento, CA: $160,825 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Sacramento, CA earns a median $160,825/year (≈ $77.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Sacramento's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.7), that paycheck buys what $150,769 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 31.2% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With 630 clinical and counseling psychologists employed in Sacramento, CA, the job market reflects solid demand for professionals in this field. The projected median annual salary for 2026 is $160,825, significantly higher than the national median of $105,689, presenting a remarkable 52.17% wage premium for local practitioners. Salary ranges in Sacramento vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $67,503 and experienced professionals earning up to $216,087. This data comes from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, indicating a market that is not only competitive but also offers premium compensation for skilled clinical and counseling psychologists.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,503 | $32.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,593 | $48.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $160,825 | $77.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $189,249 | $90.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,087 | $103.88 |
Median Salary Position
52.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sacramento
In Sacramento, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $148,584 (2026 est.). At $160,825, the local median is 52.17% above the national median of $105,689.
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How Sacramento Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Sacramento median: $160,825/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sacramento Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,580 | +31.20% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +52.17% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Sacramento, CA earn a median of $160,825 per year (2026 est.), which is 52.17% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 31.20% above the California state average of $122,580.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sacramento has a cost of living 6.67% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sacramento, CA has a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $160,825 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,769 — a 6.25% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$129,380
2025 BLS Actual
$153,050
2026 Current Est.
$160,825
2021–2027 Growth
+30.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Sacramento (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $129,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,825 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $168,995 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sacramento metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 18.3% from $129,380 (2021) to $153,050 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $168,995 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,615 (30.62%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sacramento metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.08% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $67,503 – $100,593 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,593 – $160,825 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $160,825 – $189,249 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $189,249 – $216,087 |
CCP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual clinical and counseling psychologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Job Market in Sacramento
The cost of living index in Sacramento stands at 106.67, suggesting higher living expenses compared to the national average, which can impact take-home pay for professionals in this area. In local employment, larger healthcare organizations and specialized clinics tend to offer the most competitive wages, driven by factors such as the complexity of cases and the comprehensive benefits they provide. The considerable disparity in salary—from entry-level to top earners—can be attributed to several factors, including shift differentials, advanced specialty credentials, and the scale of the employer. To maximize earning potential, aspiring psychologists in Sacramento should consider seeking additional certifications and exploring opportunities within larger healthcare systems or specialized practices, as these environments often provide the greatest financial rewards.
More salary data for Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $153,050 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Sacramento metropolitan area. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.08%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov